Abstract: The protection of persons with disability (PWDs) is crucial in any society because they deserve the same amount of diginity and respect as persons without disability. Most abuse and discrimination that is leveled against PWDs emanate from negative perceptions towards this demographic. This paper posits that the legal system of any jurisdiction is under obligation to provide the much needed protection for PWDs. Using hermenuetics as the chosen method of analysis, this paper disects the legal provisions for Zambia for purposes of gaining an understanding of the extent to which the provisions of the law and the adjudications of the courts have provided protection against negative perceptions, discirimination and abuse towards PWDs. Further, using observations and introspections by the authors based on experiences, being brought up and domiciled within the polity in reference, it is concluded in this paper that the protection of PWDs is still under threat as the legal system has not done much to protect this demographic thus far. This paper further intimates that the high prevalence of poverty in Africa, Zambia inclusive, compromises the potential for the legal system to mitigate the prevalence of negative perceptions towards and discrimination against PWDs. In most instances, inability to pursue litigation against perpetrators of discirmination and abuse due to poverty levels compromises opportunities to contribute to the building of a country and society that respects the rights of PWDs. The conclusion to this paper is that not much has been done within the legal framework and systems of Zambia to provide for the protection of the PWDs’ rights and privileges.
Keywords: Disability, persons with disability, disability protection, law, legal framework, perception.
Title: Disability Perceptions, the Law and the Protection of the Disabled: The Case of Zambia
Author: Bruce Changu Jamu Hatimbula, Atangambuyu Sinyani Silungwe, Wilson Silungwe
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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